This comprehensive glossary has been created to give parents a quick reference tool that explains, in simple lay language, the terms used in the research, management and treatment of eating disorders. It is designed to empower parents by helping them understand a very complex range of illnesses in order to converse with their treatment providers, ask the right questions, understand the answers, and ultimately plan and execute the most effective course of treatment. Many of the terms are broad and may be employed in other areas of medicine or mental health; the definitions provided here apply specifically to their meaning within the context of eating disorders. Additional source references are provided for those wishing to delve deeper.

The EATING DISORDERS GLOSSARY is researched, written and maintained by F.E.A.S.T - Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders, an international non-profit organization. The definitions and explanations provided here have been edited with the help of members of FEAST's Professional Advisory Panel. The definitions are designed to inform and explain the terms factually according to the best evidence available. They do not seek to advise you on any course of treatment; that should remain the domain of your treatment providers.

To protect the quality of information, the glossary cannot be edited by readers. However, we openly solicit comments, corrections or modifications on existing material as well as your suggestions for additional terms on the vast subject of eating disorders. Send your suggestions and comments to glossary@feast-ed.org.

About F.E.A.S.T.

F.E.A.S.T. -- Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating disorders -- is an international organization of and for parents and caregivers. A non-profit organization founded in 2008, F.E.A.S.T.'s mission is to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders. The organization is run by a board of directors, almost all of whom are parents of sufferers, and it is guided by a Professional Advisory Panel of eating disorders experts from the United States, France, United Kingdom and Australia.

F.E.A.S.T.'s founding principles:

Eating disorders are biologically based mental illness and fully treatable with a combination of nutritional, medical, and therapeutic supports.

Parents do not cause eating disorders, and patients do not choose eating disorders.

Parents and caregivers are a powerful tool for a loved one's recovery from eating disorder.

Fear foods

Eating disorder patients often have a conviction and morbid fear that types or amounts of food will lead to instant and discernable weight gain. These may include any high-calorie items or groups of food such as fats, "junk food", or meat. Treatment aims to reintegrate these foods into the diet of the sufferer either gradually or, in the case of Maudsley/FBT, almost immediately. An integral part of the recovery process is developing a healthy relationship with food, eating and one's body; and this includes viewing food as neutral and fuel, not good or bad, safe or unsafe. Also see forbidden foods and Exposure with Response Prevention & Exposure Meals/Foods.

If you came to the F.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorders Glossary from a page on the F.E.A.S.T site, click the "go back" button in your internet browser to return to that page; if not, we welcome you to visit the FEAST home page for a wealth of information on evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, support for parents and families, the latest eating disorders research, a forum for parents and caregivers, useful books, etc.